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Russell Nicholas Hopko

1921 - 2022

Russell Nicholas Hopko obituary, 1921-2022, Newport News, VA

BORN

1921

DIED

2022

FUNERAL HOME

Peninsula Funeral Home & Crematory

11144 Warwick Boulevard

Newport News, Virginia

Russell Hopko Obituary

Russell Nicholas Hopko passed away on January 11, 2022, at 100 years of age. He was born in Auburn, New York on December 19, 1921, and lived in Hampton and Newport News, Virginia for the past 74 years. Russell completed his high school education at Auburn High School, Auburn, New York, and graduated from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York with an engineering degree. He served in the US Army Signal Corps and was a veteran of WWII. After the military, he worked at NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia and worked as a materials engineer, retiring with 33 years of service. Russell's passions included chocolate, music, and watching the birds and squirrels in his yard.

Russell was preceded in death by his wife Donna Ecklund Hopko; parents John Hopko and Julia Hopko; brothers John Hopko and Serge Hopko. He is survived by his children Barbara Hopko Glover, Russell Nicholas Hopko, Jr. (Donna), Janet Hopko Ireland (Jim), and Terrence Matthew Hopko (Pam); 16 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces. The family was most important to Russell and he was a devoted Dad, Grandpa, and Uncle Russ, and treated all friends as extended family.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, January 18 at 3:00 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press on Jan. 16, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Michelle Matlock

January 10, 2024

It´s hard to believe it´s been two years already. Mr. Russell was a very comical, caring and kind man that I had the privilege of caring for for a couple years. I truly miss his and his laughter he made my day every day that I came in. I truly miss him.

Michelle Matlock

January 23, 2022

Although physically Russell is no longer here he will always be in your heart! It was an honor and a privilege to care for him! I´ll miss him dearly!

tina mangum Hairdresser at Hamilton

January 23, 2022

Sorry for your loss it was an honor to know him his last years.

Cindy Williams

January 17, 2022

Janet, please accept my condolences on the loss of your beloved Father. He had the wonderful pleasure of celebrating his 100th birthday with you and other loved ones. May his memory be a blessing.

Kathy Mathews

January 15, 2022

Janet and family--I am so sorry for your loss. Your Dad had an amazing life and I hope all the many memories will lend support during this difficult time. Much love...

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Memorial Events
for Russell Hopko

Jan

18

Graveside service

3:00 p.m.

Peninsula Memorial Park

VA

Funeral services provided by:

Peninsula Funeral Home & Crematory

11144 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601

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